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Flying Dust programming focuses on empowerment

Nov 16, 2017 | 10:58 AM

Community, culture and connectivity are the main themes of the youth programming offered in Flying Dust First Nation.

Youth enhancement worker Cheryl Bear runs the youth centre, located on the top floor of the Flying Dust gymnasium. The programming is a mix of regular meet-ups, activities, and special events for youth ages eight and up for both boys and girls.

Bear works on connecting youth with positive role models, such as elders, professionals, sports players, teachers, and older youth from the community.

“I plan activities that have to do with self-esteem, crafts, and empowerment,” she said. “When I do this kind of work, I try to keep in mind how it was for me when I was growing up and what I needed. I also try to take into account the differences. I didn’t have social media. Nowadays you always see bashing or bullying. When I do this kind of work, I try to talk about that issue about empowering each other, and not belittling. Letting them know there’s always somebody is important.”

Kenisha Church participates in regular events and attended the last one which was a sleepover for youth in the community. She said she enjoys knowing there is a group of people who can share with each other.

“It’s a really fun experience to learn all these things from the people who speak to us,” she said. “I just loved it because I always meet new people. You can learn to trust them because you get to know them over the year.”

Sarah Bear who is studying criminal justice in Lethbridge spoke to the young girls about her education.

“I talk to them about motivation. They look up to me because I’m going to school,” she said. “I want to try and get a Community Safety Officer program here eventually, and I’m speaking to them about life in general, what options they have in life. They can do whatever they want.”

Moving forward, future plans include holiday-based programming, as well as a traditional youth camping trip.

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath